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Other Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can vary from person to person, which means what works for supportive care will vary as well. Work with your healthcare team to find what works best for you. Some options that may help manage pain, inflammation, and stiffness, and improve function include:

Application of Heat and Cold

Both heat and cold may provide some relief depending on your current situation.

Heat improves blood circulation to the treated area. Applying heat via warm soaks, whirlpools, paraffin wax, or heating pads can be very soothing. Each heat application has different guidelines. Talk to your healthcare team and try different options to see what is best for you.

Cold can help decrease inflammation in an affected joint, thereby relieving pain and improving stiffness and movement. Apply an ice pack for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times each day.
Place a towel between the ice pack and your skin.

Assistive Devices and Splints

Flare ups or progression of the disease may improve function and decrease stress on joints. Options will depend on the joints that are effected. Some include:

A cane or walker may help mobility in people with hip or knee RA.

Splints can be used around sore joints of wrist or ankles for extra support.

Adapt Your Environment

Certain daily activities can become challenging with RA such as buttoning or zipping your clothing, opening jars, or opening doors. Special equipment is available to help with these tasks to maintain independence. An occupational therapist can help with selection of assistive devices and training to help adapt to changes.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Handout on health:
Rheumatoid arthritis.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Rheumatic%5FDisease/default.asp. Updated August 2014. Accessed November 3, 2014.